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Michael Spratt

@mspratt.bsky.social
1.1K followers 537 following 219 posts

Partner at AGP Law; Criminal Lawyer; Podcast host; Writer; Baseball Fanatic; Jays; Political Junkie; Nerd; Will Spoil; Worldhopper

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Reposted by Michael Spratt
Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
New From Me: Ontario’s cash bail law will be found unconstitutional: but that won’t mean that Doug Ford and Doug Downey's plan failed. It will mean it worked exactly as intended www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...
canadianlawyermag.com
Ontario's cash bail law is unconstitutional – and Ford knows it
The Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act uses real human suffering to manufacture a political grievance
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Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
New From Me: Ontario’s cash bail law will be found unconstitutional: but that won’t mean that Doug Ford and Doug Downey's plan failed. It will mean it worked exactly as intended www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...
canadianlawyermag.com
Ontario's cash bail law is unconstitutional – and Ford knows it
The Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act uses real human suffering to manufacture a political grievance
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Reposted by Michael Spratt
Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
From me: Some advice for Pierre Poilievre, If someone tells you Mexico is safer than Vancouver, it doesn’t mean it is. And if you want to be a leader, you better start acting like one. www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...
canadianlawyermag.com
Poilievre, your doomsday depiction of Canadian crime is wearing thin
If someone tells you Mexico is safer than Vancouver, it doesn’t mean it is
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Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
From me: Some advice for Pierre Poilievre, If someone tells you Mexico is safer than Vancouver, it doesn’t mean it is. And if you want to be a leader, you better start acting like one. www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...
canadianlawyermag.com
Poilievre, your doomsday depiction of Canadian crime is wearing thin
If someone tells you Mexico is safer than Vancouver, it doesn’t mean it is
43919
Reposted by Michael Spratt
Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
New from me: It is time for structural justice reform. Shuffling the deck chairs in remand court ain’t gonna stop the boat from sinking: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...
canadianlawyermag.com
Reforming remand court requires structural, not superficial, changes
Ottawa’s attempt at fixing the intake process for criminal cases misses the mark
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Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
New from me: It is time for structural justice reform. Shuffling the deck chairs in remand court ain’t gonna stop the boat from sinking: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...
canadianlawyermag.com
Reforming remand court requires structural, not superficial, changes
Ottawa’s attempt at fixing the intake process for criminal cases misses the mark
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Reposted by Michael Spratt
Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
From me: Courts must consider immigration consequences in sentencing. The CPC's performative outrage has serious implications for judicial discretion & fairness. It is too much to ask politicians for some grown-up honesty when it comes to Justice policy? www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...
canadianlawyermag.com
Prohibiting judges from considering immigration consequences at sentencing ignores reality
Rempel Garner’s manufactured outrage could have serious implications for judicial discretion
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Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
From me: Courts must consider immigration consequences in sentencing. The CPC's performative outrage has serious implications for judicial discretion & fairness. It is too much to ask politicians for some grown-up honesty when it comes to Justice policy? www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...
canadianlawyermag.com
Prohibiting judges from considering immigration consequences at sentencing ignores reality
Rempel Garner’s manufactured outrage could have serious implications for judicial discretion
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Reposted by Michael Spratt
Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
New from me: When Doug Ford refuses to disclose records, loses in court, and then moves to change the law to avoid disclosure, it raises a simple question. What is Ford trying so hard to hide? www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...
canadianlawyermag.com
Hey Ford: When you use your phone for government business, it is no longer personal
The premier isn’t protecting his privacy; he’s avoiding accountability
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Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
New from me: When Doug Ford refuses to disclose records, loses in court, and then moves to change the law to avoid disclosure, it raises a simple question. What is Ford trying so hard to hide? www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...
canadianlawyermag.com
Hey Ford: When you use your phone for government business, it is no longer personal
The premier isn’t protecting his privacy; he’s avoiding accountability
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Reposted by Michael Spratt
Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
Danielle Smith’s referendum on judges isn’t about democracy. It’s about power. And it’s part of a troubling trend in conservative politics: misrepresenting the facts and undermining public confidence in the justice system. My latest column: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...
canadianlawyermag.com
Danielle Smith drags the judiciary deeper into her partisan mud slinging
The Alberta Premier’s referendum is a direct threat to the proper functioning of our justice system
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Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
Danielle Smith’s referendum on judges isn’t about democracy. It’s about power. And it’s part of a troubling trend in conservative politics: misrepresenting the facts and undermining public confidence in the justice system. My latest column: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...
canadianlawyermag.com
Danielle Smith drags the judiciary deeper into her partisan mud slinging
The Alberta Premier’s referendum is a direct threat to the proper functioning of our justice system
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Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
"I accept responsibility for my actions,” Luloff told reporters outside the courthouse." Except he only did that after he was convicted. We should expect better from our elected officials.
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Reposted by Michael Spratt
Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
Lying about court decisions to fuel outrage isn’t “holding the system to account.” It’s poisoning it. Why Poilievre’s false claims about my client reveal a much bigger problem with grievance politics: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...
canadianlawyermag.com
Poilievre's lies about my client illustrate a wider problem with grievance politics
Conservatives have no qualms about undermining our courts or public institutions
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Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
Lying about court decisions to fuel outrage isn’t “holding the system to account.” It’s poisoning it. Why Poilievre’s false claims about my client reveal a much bigger problem with grievance politics: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...
canadianlawyermag.com
Poilievre's lies about my client illustrate a wider problem with grievance politics
Conservatives have no qualms about undermining our courts or public institutions
03918
Reposted by Michael Spratt
Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
Ford and Downey are at it again. Another “tough on crime” bail bill that won’t reduce crime, won’t improve safety, and will violate the Constitution while punishing poverty. Their Cash bail grift is bad law and worse policy. www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...
canadianlawyermag.com
Ford and Downey’s bail proposal gives freedom to the rich and cages the poor
Their soundbite-driven policy is a mask to hide their failures to ensure community safety
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Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
Ford and Downey are at it again. Another “tough on crime” bail bill that won’t reduce crime, won’t improve safety, and will violate the Constitution while punishing poverty. Their Cash bail grift is bad law and worse policy. www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...
canadianlawyermag.com
Ford and Downey’s bail proposal gives freedom to the rich and cages the poor
Their soundbite-driven policy is a mask to hide their failures to ensure community safety
35128
Reposted by Michael Spratt
Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
The Supreme Court applied the Charter. Politicians answered with fear mongering, Charter-bashing, and even calls for vigilante murders. These politicians care more about scoring political points and undermining the rule of law than protecting kids: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...
canadianlawyermag.com
The Supreme Court's Senneville decision rejected moral panic, so should politicians
Kinew, Poilievre and Smith distort the reality of mandatory minimums for political gain
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Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
The Supreme Court applied the Charter. Politicians answered with fear mongering, Charter-bashing, and even calls for vigilante murders. These politicians care more about scoring political points and undermining the rule of law than protecting kids: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...
canadianlawyermag.com
The Supreme Court's Senneville decision rejected moral panic, so should politicians
Kinew, Poilievre and Smith distort the reality of mandatory minimums for political gain
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Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 25/10/2025
Getting ready to listen to the @bluejays.com by candle light in the middle of the Canadian wilderness. A perfect time to close the cottage!
A Blue Jays can of beer held overlooking a lake on a perfect Canadian fall day
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Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 18/10/2025
Bail is a hot topic with politicians, for both the liars and the cowards. There is a problem with bail, just not no the one the politicians are talking about. But I guess it is easier to fundraise on outrage and misinformation than real solutions. youtu.be/cbBPU9XOgVE?...
youtu.be
Reverse-onus will not solve 'real problems' with the bail system: defence lawyer | Power & Politics
YouTube video by CBC News
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Reposted by Michael Spratt
Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
Police investigating crime is their job. Trying to control prosecutions or threaten justice system participants isn’t. My latest in Canadian Lawyer on the growing and dangerous trend of police interference in our justice system: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...
canadianlawyermag.com
Police pressure threatens the independence of our justice system
Public attacks on plea deals undermine trust and the core principles of our justice system
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Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
Police investigating crime is their job. Trying to control prosecutions or threaten justice system participants isn’t. My latest in Canadian Lawyer on the growing and dangerous trend of police interference in our justice system: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...
canadianlawyermag.com
Police pressure threatens the independence of our justice system
Public attacks on plea deals undermine trust and the core principles of our justice system
1126
Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
Please help support a brave woman. Today the Court of Appeal denied Bowie bail, saying the case was "overwhelming" and calling Bowie's defence "a conspiratorial narrative, with grandiose features, that was devoid of reality." Read it: here coadecisions.ontariocourts.ca/coa/coa/en/i...)
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Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
We’re going to hear lots about justice reform over the next few months. Cutting through the BS, and there is lots of BS, is difficult. Today I spoke with @globalnews.ca about why the Constitution matters and why we need to pump the breaks on the tough on crime rhetoric: youtu.be/7gLuYqvXZ88
youtu.be
Is bail reform in Canada possible within the Constitution?
YouTube video by Global News
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Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 06/09/2025
Carney said those presumed legally innocent should not be in a position “where they commit a crime one day and they’re arrested and then out of jail, out on bail the next.” Dont wory Mark, in Ottawa it usually takes days for a bail hearing, so we are good. www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
theglobeandmail.com
Carney will introduce legislation next month to tighten bail system
Prime Minister said goal is to ensure people accused of violent crimes such as gun offences, home invasions and auto thefts ‘pay the price they should’
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Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 06/09/2025
From me on self defence laws: The only thing most Canadians need protection from is politicians who think dishonest fear mongering for political gain is a form of public service: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...
canadianlawyermag.com
Castle laws won't fix what Ford and Poilievre claim is broken in self-defence rules
Heated rhetoric about charging man for stabbing home intruder ignores existing protections
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Reposted by Michael Spratt
Marna Nightingale — ICE gets the skates. @marnanightingale.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
Donate if you can because FUCK THIS GUY.
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Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
Yesterday James Bowie was sentenced to 4 years in prison. His victim, Leanne, showed remarkable courage by speaking out to warn others about this predator. Now we can help her rebuild her life with safety, dignity & hope. Please stand with her today: gofund.me/3b01402a
gofund.me
Donate to Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma, organized by Michael Spratt
Leanne’s life was shattered by the very person she thought sh… Michael Spratt needs your support for Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma
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Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
James Bowie has been sentenced to 4 years in prison. His victim, Leanne, showed remarkable courage by speaking out. Now we can help her rebuild her life with safety, dignity & hope. Please stand with her today: gofund.me/3b01402a
gofund.me
Donate to Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma, organized by Michael Spratt
Leanne’s life was shattered by the very person she thought sh… Michael Spratt needs your support for Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma
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Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
James Bowie has been sentenced to 4 years in prison. His victim, Leanne, showed remarkable courage by speaking out. Now we can help her rebuild her life with safety, dignity & hope. Please stand with her today: gofund.me/3b01402a
gofund.me
Donate to Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma, organized by Michael Spratt
Leanne’s life was shattered by the very person she thought sh… Michael Spratt needs your support for Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma
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Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
James Bowie has been sentenced to 4 years in prison. His victim, Leanne, showed remarkable courage by speaking out. Now we can help her rebuild her life with safety, dignity & hope. Please stand with her today: gofund.me/3b01402a
gofund.me
Donate to Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma, organized by Michael Spratt
Leanne’s life was shattered by the very person she thought sh… Michael Spratt needs your support for Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma
063
Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
James Bowie has been sentenced to 4 years in prison. His victim, Leanne, showed remarkable courage by speaking out. Now we can help her rebuild her life with safety, dignity & hope. Please stand with her today: gofund.me/3b01402a
gofund.me
Donate to Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma, organized by Michael Spratt
Leanne’s life was shattered by the very person she thought sh… Michael Spratt needs your support for Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma
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Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
James Bowie has been sentenced to 4 years in prison. His victim, Leanne, showed remarkable courage by speaking out. Now we can help her rebuild her life with safety, dignity & hope. Please stand with her today: gofund.me/3b01402a
gofund.me
Donate to Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma, organized by Michael Spratt
Leanne’s life was shattered by the very person she thought sh… Michael Spratt needs your support for Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma
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Reposted by Michael Spratt
Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
Today, disgraced Ottawa lawyer James Bowie is being sentenced for harassment and threats. He wanted to kill Leanne, who exposed him. Leanne showed incredible courage by coming forward. Now it’s time to help her rebuild her life. Stand with her today: gofund.me/e6a2b8dc
gofund.me
Donate to Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma, organized by Michael Spratt
Leanne’s life was shattered by the very person she thought sh… Michael Spratt needs your support for Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma
0188
Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
Today, disgraced Ottawa lawyer James Bowie is being sentenced for harassment and threats. He wanted to kill Leanne, who exposed him. Leanne showed incredible courage by coming forward. Now it’s time to help her rebuild her life. Stand with her today: gofund.me/e6a2b8dc
gofund.me
Donate to Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma, organized by Michael Spratt
Leanne’s life was shattered by the very person she thought sh… Michael Spratt needs your support for Help Leanne Rebuild After Unimaginable Betrayal and Trauma
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Reposted by Michael Spratt
Rachel Gilmore @rachelgilmore.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
WATCH THE REST OF THE VIDEO (with comments from @mspratt.bsky.social and @paulchamplaw.bsky.social) HERE: youtu.be/mXPU915Z4ZQ?...
youtu.be
Conservatives under fire as 'Freedom Convoy' support taken as attack on judicial independence
YouTube video by Rachel Gilmore
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Reposted by Michael Spratt
Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
Hurry up and wait. That’s the unofficial motto of Ontario’s criminal courts — and it’s breaking the system. My latest for Canadian Lawyer on inefficiency, inconsistency, and how scheduling a trial can take longer than actually holding one. www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...
canadianlawyermag.com
Hurry up and wait: The Ontario court's relentless commitment to inefficiency
Our criminal justice system has turned scheduling into a spectacle of wasted resources and hollow rituals
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Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
I also needed an excused to Quote Princess Leia...
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Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
Hurry up and wait. That’s the unofficial motto of Ontario’s criminal courts — and it’s breaking the system. My latest for Canadian Lawyer on inefficiency, inconsistency, and how scheduling a trial can take longer than actually holding one. www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...
canadianlawyermag.com
Hurry up and wait: The Ontario court's relentless commitment to inefficiency
Our criminal justice system has turned scheduling into a spectacle of wasted resources and hollow rituals
253
Reposted by Michael Spratt
Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
New from me: Doug Ford is back at it—using Orwellian-named laws to chip away at judicial independence. His new bill sounds like it’s about “safer streets,” but it’s really about tightening political control over the courts: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...
canadianlawyermag.com
Doug Ford's Trumpian obsession with judicial control should scare us all
The Ontario premier's folksy delivery conceals an authoritarian drift echoing global trends
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Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
New from me: Doug Ford is back at it—using Orwellian-named laws to chip away at judicial independence. His new bill sounds like it’s about “safer streets,” but it’s really about tightening political control over the courts: www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...
canadianlawyermag.com
Doug Ford's Trumpian obsession with judicial control should scare us all
The Ontario premier's folksy delivery conceals an authoritarian drift echoing global trends
33324
Reposted by Michael Spratt
Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 03/05/2025
From me: Pierre Poilievre promised to bulldoze your Charter rights and bring in U.S. style three-strikes laws. He lost. And with him, one of the most dangerous justice platforms in Canadian history [1/5] 🧵 www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...
canadianlawyermag.com
Spratt: Carney's win rescues justice from the brink after Poilievre's dangerous pitch
The real test begins now – will the Liberals stick with an evidence-based approach to crime?
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Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 03/05/2025
From me: Pierre Poilievre promised to bulldoze your Charter rights and bring in U.S. style three-strikes laws. He lost. And with him, one of the most dangerous justice platforms in Canadian history [1/5] 🧵 www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/opinion...
canadianlawyermag.com
Spratt: Carney's win rescues justice from the brink after Poilievre's dangerous pitch
The real test begins now – will the Liberals stick with an evidence-based approach to crime?
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Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 18/04/2025
This one of the most measured, persuasive, and true analysis of Poilievre’s dangerous criminal justice failure.
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Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
Swiss Chalet's Toblerone quarter chicken USED to be my favourite..... until today
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Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
Name one ONE mass murder who has been released on parole. This is just one of a dozen reasons why this is nothing but a dangerous, cynical, and plain dumb policy.
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Reposted by Michael Spratt
Ben Lindbergh @benlindbergh.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
This is the first episode of a 3-part scripted series for @ewpod.bsky.social that I've been working on for more than a year. It's about mysterious trailblazer Ella Black, the first woman to write about baseball for a national publication. Hope it makes you half as consumed by her story as I've been!
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Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
Looking forward to this, always good to have a little Adrian Harewood in your ear!
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Michael Spratt @mspratt.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
I got made of of last week for calling spreadsheets "Spreadies" (thank you @benlindbergh.bsky.social for this new term). I need Michael Jarman's input on this nomenclature!
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